BOSTON – Steve Phillips, GM of the Mets, and Scott Boras, agent for the best player in baseball, were in the same hotel yesterday. Their paths didn’t cross and the Mets making a bid for Bonds remains “highly unlikely,” according to Phillips.

“That’s not news, is it?” Phillips asked.

Sadly, no it is not. The Mets are bargain hunting again this winter.

The most interesting discussions Phillips had yesterday were with Ranger GM John Hart, who is seeking a closer and a rangy center fielder.

The Rangers are looking to turn one of two similar left-handed hitting outfielders into either a center fielder or a reliever, but were unable to get anything done with the Mets as of last night.

The Rangers inquired as to whether the Mets had any interest in Rusty Greer, who makes $6.8 million. The Mets do not, but wondered if Frank Catalanotto is available.

As of now, the answer to that question is no. The Rangers aren’t going to entertain offers for the Smithtown High graduated, who finished fifth in the American League with a .330 batting average, until they determine the interest level throughout baseball in Greer. Jay Payton fits the description of what the Rangers are looking for in centerfield. If Texas can’t pry Payton from the Mets, they know they can always turn to the Yankees and get Gerald Williams, a defensive standout.

The Rangers are among many teams interested in having Armando Benitez anchor their bullpen, but in order for the Mets to part with the closer who choked twice in one week against the Braves late in the year, they would have to line up a replacement. The Rangers can’t help them there.

Phillips has talked to “almost every club,” since acquiring David Justice from the Yankees for Robin Ventura. Phillips hopes to create payroll flexibility by moving Justice, but hasn’t found a taker yet.